Adjustable Bra System

ABSTRACT

An adjustable bra system uses pockets  13  on the back side of balcony cups  12  to store demi cup material  11  to convert a demi cup bra to a balcony cup bra. Various bridges connect bra cups together; the bridges include a quick release clasp system  719  allowing the bra cups to quickly spring off the user. Other bridges include the use of offset or staggered  617  receiving snaps allowing for shape adjustment in the bridge area. Bra cups may also have multiple wire channels to accept adjustable wire. The bra cups may also have multiple openings to accept adjustable wire of various lengths.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This utility application is based upon U.S. patent application Ser. No. 61386309 filed on or about Sep. 24, 2010. This related application is incorporated herein by reference and made part of this application. If any conflict arises between the disclosure of the invention in this utility application and that in the related provisional application, the disclosure in this utility application shall govern. Moreover, the inventor incorporates herein by reference any and all patents, patent applications, and other documents hard copy or electronic, cited or referred to in this application.

COPYRIGHT AND TRADEMARK NOTICE

This application includes material which is subject or may be subject to copyright and/or trademark protection. The copyright and trademark owner(s) has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by any of the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office files or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright and trademark rights whatsoever.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The invention generally relates to bra systems. More particularly, the invention relates to devices, means and methods of creating adjustable bra systems with different support wire channel structures, adjustable cup structures, adjustable bridge structures, adjustable wire length structures and quick release clasp structures.

(2) Description of the Related Art

In the related art, bras are sold in fixed configurations such that a purchaser may obtain a balcony cup bra, demi cup bra or other single function or single style bra. In the related art, bra support structures, such as wires are rigidly attached to the bra and do not allow for multiple cup configurations.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,496,205 issued on Mar. 5, 1996 to Lee discloses a brassier having concealed pockets, but fails to disclose or anticipate means or methods of converting a demi cup bra to a balcony cup bra by use of cup enclosures and folding bra material.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,200 issued on Sep. 8, 2009 to McLaren discloses a detachable holder that is attached to a bra, but fails to provide a convertible bra style.

U.S. patent

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination and configuration of bra material, bra support material, pockets, multiple channels for bra wires, bra bridge systems, quick release systems and other features. The disclosed bra systems allow a purchaser various bra style options, such as balcony cup, demi cup, and others and allows a purchaser to use multiple wire channels to adapt to user needs and selected bra styles. A quick release clasp doubles as a bridge and allows a bra to snap off at the center bridge.

One of the main advantages of this invention is the use of common wire channels with adjoining forked channels. The use of a forked channel allows for a relatively small section of wire to be moved from one fork to another to accommodate the selected bra style. The longer common wire and common wire channel remain undistributed.

Another advantage of the invention is the use of pockets within the bra material to hold unused bra sections. For example, when converting from a demi cup to a balcony cup, an upper section of the demi cup may fold into a pocket, converting the bra to a balcony cup.

These and other objects and advantages will be made apparent when considering the following detailed specification when taken in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 presents a balcony cup bra

FIG. 2 presents a balcony cup bra with balcony cup underwire

FIG. 3 presents balcony cup channeling and underwire

FIG. 4 presents balcony cup underwire and demi cup underwire

FIG. 5 presents balcony cup underwire and demi cup underwire

FIG. 6 presents an enlarged view of both balcony cup and demi cup underwire

FIG. 7 presents a side view of a underwire casing and slider system

FIG. 8 presents a double configuration and side view of underwire casing and an underwire slider

FIG. 9 presents an underwire casing, underwire slider and a slider inserted into a casing.

FIG. 10 presents various views of underwire

FIG. 11 presents a balcony bra with slit openings for insertion of adjustable length underwire

FIG. 12 presents a balcony bra with adjustable length underwire

FIG. 13 presents a front view of an adjustable bridge

FIG. 14 presents an expanded view of an adjustable bridge

FIG. 15 presents a front view of an adjustable bridge in a first configuration

FIG. 16 presents a front view of an adjustable bridge in a second configuration

FIG. 17 presents an expanded view of an adjustable bridge in a first configuration

FIG. 18 presents a front view of a bridge in a third configuration

FIG. 19 presents an inside view of a bridge in a third configuration

FIG. 20 is an expanded front view of a bridge in a third configuration

FIG. 21 is an expanded inside view of a bridge in a third configuration

FIG. 22 is an inside view of a bridge in a third configuration

FIG. 23 is a front view of a slider bridge or a bridge in a front configuration

FIG. 24 is a back view of a bridge in a slider configuration

FIG. 25 is a front view of a bow tie bridge or a bridge in a bow tie configuration

FIG. 26 is a back view of a bridge in a bow tie configuration

FIG. 27 is a front view of a first snap bridge or a bridge in a first snap configuration

FIG. 28 is a back view of a first snap bridge or a bridge in a first snap configuration

FIG. 29 is an exploded view from FIG. 28 showing snaps

FIG. 30 is a front view of a second configuration of a snap bridge

FIG. 31 is a back view of a second configuration of a snap bridge

FIG. 32 is an exploded view of snaps from FIG. 31

FIG. 33 is a front view of a first configuration of a hook and eye bridge

FIG. 34 is a back view of a first configuration of a hook and eye bridge

FIG. 35 is an exploded view of loops from a first configuration of a hook and eye bridge

FIG. 36 is a front view of a second configuration of a hook and eye bridge

FIG. 37 is a back view of a second configuration of a hook and eye bridge

FIG. 38 is an exploded view of loops from a second configuration of a hook and eye bridge

FIG. 39 is a front view of a demi cup configuration ready to convert into a balcony cup configuration.

FIG. 40 is a plan view of the front side of a square clasp

FIG. 41 is a plan view of the back side of a square clasp

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the front side of a round clasp

FIG. 43 is a plan view of the back side of a round clasp

FIG. 44 is a plan view of the front side of a shield shaped clasp

FIG. 45 is a plan view of the back side of a shield shaped clasp

FIG. 46 presents various perspective views of clasp components

FIG. 47 presents four views of a clasp used as a bridge

FIG. 48 is a back view of a demi cup being converted to a balcony cup by use of a cup pocket

REFERENCE NUMERALS IN THE DRAWINGS

10 a demi cup bra configuration

11 demi cup material

12 balcony cup

13 pocket within balcony cup, sometimes used to store demi cup material 11

14 seams defining the pocket 13 within the balcony cup

200 a balcony cup bra

201 balcony cup underwire

202 balcony cup channeling and underwire

301 demi cup underwire

400 adjustable length underwire

401 underwire casing

402 underwire slider in a single configuration

403 underwire slider in a double configuration

404 underwire casing as shown in a bottom view

405 underwire slider shown in a top view

406 a slider inserted into an underwire casing, top view

407 a perspective view of a underwire casing or housing

408 a perspective view of underwire

409 a slider inserted into a casing in a single configuration

410 a notch on a slider

411 notch receiving areas with an underwire casing 401

500 slit or void openings for insertion of adjustable length underwire

600 a contemplated bridge in a first configuration

601 slit for bridge to slide through

602 rectangular grommet or ring

603 a general channel for a bra cup

604 a bridge in a second configuration

605 a bridge in a third configuration as seen from the front

606 a bridge in a third configuration as seen from the inside

607 a bridge in a slider configuration also known as a slider bridge

608 a rectangular loop or ring of a slider bridge

609 a bow tie bridge or a bridge in a bow tie configuration

610 a bow tie slit

611 a bow tie hook

612 a bow tie loop

613 is a first embodiment of a snap or snaps bridge or a bridge in a first snap bridge configuration

614 snaps of a first embodiment or first configuration of a snap bridge

615 is a second embodiment of a snap or snaps bridge or a bridge in a second snap configuration

616 snaps of a second embodiment of a snap bridge

617 staggered or offset receiving snaps of a second embodiment of a snap bridge

618 is a first embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

619 are loops or eyes on the inside of a first embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

620 are hooks for insertion into the loops or eyes 619 of a hook and eye bridge 618

621 is a second embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

622 are loops or eyes on the inside of a second embodiment of a hook and eye bridge

623 offset or staggered receiving hooks used to secure loops 622.

624 grommet securing material, bridging the gap between channeling material or a bra cup and a grommet.

700 front side of a square clasp piece

701 back side of a square clasp piece

702 front side of a round clasp piece

703 back side of a round clasp piece

704 is a front side of a shield shape clasp piece

705 is a back side of a shield shape clasp piece

710 a spring for the spring casing 711

711 spring casing or spring housing to retain the spring 710

712 spring inside of spring housing

713 spring slider

714 spring slider attached to spring and spring casing, internal view

715 spring slider attached to spring and spring casing, external view

716 grommet defined by upper wall of spring slider 713

717 slider

718 grommet defined by upper wall of slider 717

719 complete quick release clasp

720 bra bridge material, sometimes used to secure bra cups to bridge components

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words “comprise,” “comprising” and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of “including, but not limited to.” Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words “herein,” “above,” “below,” and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

Any and all the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments and all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

Referring to FIG. 1, a balcony cup bra 200 is shown upon a drawn model. FIG. 2 shows a balcony cup underwire 201. FIG. 3 shows balcony cup channeling and underwire 202. A channel is a sleeve or other type of void sometimes used to secure underwire. Underwire is sometimes used to add support to a bra cup.

FIG. 4 shows a contrast between a balcony cup underwire 201 and a demi cup underwire 301. The difference between the two become most apparent at the cleavage area or area were the two bra cups connect. One aspect of one embodiment of a disclosed bra system is that a bra may have multiple wire channels to accommodate different wire configurations. FIG. 4 features a multi-channel underwire bra that enables a wearer to switch between various bra cup shapes. FIG. 5 presents an alternative view of FIG. 4

FIG. 6 presents an expanded view of FIG. 5, highlighting the different shapes of a balcony cup underwire 201 and a demi cup underwire 301.

FIG. 7 a side view of a single configuration of components comprising an underwire casing 401, an underwire slider 402 and a slider inserted into a casing 409.

FIG. 8 presents a side view of a double configuration of a casing and underwire slider 403

FIG. 9 presents a top view of underwire casing 404 with notch receiving areas 411 that sometimes receive notches 410 from sliders. A top view of a slider 405 is shown with one notch 410. FIG. 9 also shows 406 an underwire slider inserted into a casing.

FIG. 10 shows two views of an underwire casing or housing 407 and one view of an underwire 408. Both notches 410 and notch receiving areas 411 are shown.

FIG. 11 presents a plan view of bra having voids 500 defined by the underwire channeling, the voids sometimes used to accept adjustable length underwire.

FIG. 12 shows adjustable length underwire 400 as inserted into a channel.

FIG. 13 presents a first configuration of an adjustable bridge 600. A front view of a bra and bridge 600 is shown.

FIG. 14 presents an expanded view of bridge 600, and more carefully showing a void or slit 601 used for accepting the bridge 600. The slit 601 is defined by the interior surfaces of the grommet 602 or ring, which sometimes takes the shape of a rectangle. Channeling material 603 is shown to the outside either grommet 602. Grommet securing material 623 is shown in connection with channeling 603 and grommet or ring 602.

FIG. 15 presents a front view of a first bridge configuration 600. FIG. 16 presents a front view of a second bridge configuration 604. In the second configuration, the grommet is parallel to the channel.

FIG. 17 presents another front view of an adjustable bridge, capable of adjustment from a first configuration 600 to a second configuration 604.

FIG. 18 presents a front view of a third bridge configuration 605 wherein the grommet is built into the bra cup or channel material.

FIG. 19 presents an inside view of a bar showing the inside portions 606 of a third bridge configuration.

FIG. 20 is an expanded front view of the third presented bridge configuration 605. The grommet is built into a void within the channel. The grommet defines a void to accept the bridge material.

FIG. 21 is an expanded inside view 606 of the third presented bridge. Here again, the grommet and void are contained within the underwire channeling.

FIG. 22 presents an alternative inside view of the third presented bridge 606, integrated with underwire channeling.

FIG. 23 is a front view of a slider bridge 607, the slider bridge material, sometimes shown as 607, passes through a loop 608 and then one or more sliders 609 for adjustment. The sliders 609 sometimes take the form of two connected loops.

FIG. 24 is a back view of a slider bridge and presents cut-a-way views of bridge material fitted into a loop 608 and one or more sliders 609.

FIG. 25 is a front view of a bow tie bridge 609.

FIG. 26 is a back view of a bow tie bridge having voids or slits 610 defined by the bridge material, and having a hook 611 and a bow tie loop 612. The bridge material may be placed in or around the bow tie loop 612 and the bow tie loop may be connected to the bow tie hook 611 for insertion into the voids 610.

FIG. 27 is a front view of a first configuration of a snap or snaps bridge 613. FIG. 28 is a back view of a first configuration of a snap or snaps bridge showing snaps 614. FIG. 29 presents an exploded view of snaps 614.

FIG. 30 is a front view of second snap bridge configuration 615. FIG. 31 shows an offset or staggered set or receiving snaps 617. The offset snaps 617 provide additional adjustment to the bridge angle. FIG. 32 provides an exploded view of snaps 616.

FIG. 33 provides a front view of a hook and eye bridge 618. FIG. 34 is a back side view showing loops 619 or eyes and hooks 620. FIG. 35 is an exploded view of the eyes or hooks 619.

FIG. 36 is a front view of a second embodiment 621 of a hook and eye configuration. FIG. 37 is a back view of the second hook and eye embodiment and shows loops 622 and offset receiving hooks 623. FIG. 38 is an expanded view of loops 622.

FIG. 39 is a front view of a demi cup configuration 10 having a hidden pocket 13 inside connected balcony cup, allowing the demi cup material 11 to fold into the hidden pocket 13.

FIG. 40 is a plan view of the front side of a square clasp 700. FIG. 41 shows the back side 701 of a square clasp.

FIG. 42 is a plan view of the front side 702 of a round clasp. FIG. 43 is the back side 703 of a round clasp.

FIG. 44 is front view 704 of a shield shaped clasp. FIG. 45 is a back view 705 of a shield shaped clasp.

FIG. 46 presents a quick release clasp system 719, comprising a spring 710, spring case or spring housing 711, a spring inside of the casing 712, a spring slider 713, with the spring slider having a connection point 716 to accept bra bridge material. The spring and spring casing may fit into the spring slider as shown at 714. The spring slider with spring and spring casing assembly 715 may be an independent piece that fits in and out of a larger slider 717. The slider 717 will have a bra material attachment point 718.

FIG. 47 presents four views of a bra system with a quick release clasp system 719 used as a bridge between two bra cups. Bra material 720 can be seen attached to clasp connection points 716 and 718. The quick release system 719 can be seen in a state of separation with the spring slider 713 separated from the slider 717.

FIG. 48 is a back view of a demi cup bra being converted into a balcony bra. The demi cup material 11 can be seen going into the pocket 13, with the pocket being defined by pocket seam lines 14.

Embodiments of the disclosed systems include, but are not limited to the following items. Terms used in the items may be helpful in defining terms in the claims, but are not limiting.

Item 1. An adjustable bra system comprising:

-   a) two balcony cups 12 attached to two sets of demi cup material 11; -   b) the bottom portions of the two balcony cups having channeling and     underwire 202 -   c) the two balcony cups having back sides with pockets 13 defined by     seams 14 with the pockets 13 capable of holding the demi cup     material, converting the bra system from a demi cup to a balcony     cup; -   d) the two balcony cups connected with a quick release clasp 719     system, the quick release clasp system comprising: -   i) a first clasp component 715 comprising a spring 710, a spring     casing 711, and a spring slider with the spring slider having a     connection point 716 for attaching bra bridge material 720 connected     to a bra cup; -   ii) with the first clasp component 715 fitting into a second     component comprising a slider 717, with the slider having a     connection point 718 for attaching bra bridge material 720 connected     to a bra cup; and -   e) the two balcony cups each having two channel sections to two sets     of underwire comprising balcony cup underwire 201 and demi cup     underwire 301.

The adjustable bra system of item 1 using adjustable slider wire 402 with the slider wire having notches and the adjustable bra system using casing 401 with notch receiving areas 411 fitted to accept the notches on the slider wire.

The adjustable bra system of item 1 having a plurality of openings 500 defined by the underwire channeling fitted to adjustable length underwire 400.

The adjustable bra system of item 1 using a slider bridge to connect the two balcony cups, the slider bridge comprising a loop 608 connected to bra bridge material connected to a balcony cup, two or more sliders 609 with the sliders comprising two connected loops, with the sliders accepting material adjusted by the sliders to control the distance between the balcony cups. 

1. An adjustable bra system comprising: a) two balcony cups attached to two sets of demi cup material; b) the bottom portions of the two balcony cups having channeling and underwire; c) the two balcony cups having back sides with pockets defined by seams with the pockets capable of holding the demi cup material, converting the bra system from a demi cup to a balcony cup; d) the two balcony cups connected with a quick release clasp system, the quick release clasp system comprising: i) a first clasp component comprising a spring, a spring casing, and a spring slider with the spring slider having a connection point for attaching bra bridge material connected to a bra cup; ii) with the first clasp component fitting into a second component comprising a slider, with the slider having a connection point for attaching bra bridge material connected to a bra cup; and e) the two balcony cups each having two channel sections to two sets of underwire comprising balcony cup underwire and demi cup underwire.
 2. The adjustable bra system of claim 1 using adjustable slider wire, with the slider wire having notches and the adjustable bra system using casing with notch receiving areas fitted to accept the notches on the slider wire.
 3. The adjustable bra system of claim 1 having a plurality of openings defined by the underwire channeling fitted to adjustable length underwire.
 4. The adjustable bra system of claim 1 using a slider bridge to connect the two balcony cups, the slider bridge comprising a loop connected to bra bridge material connected to a balcony cup, two or more sliders with the sliders comprising two connected loops, with the sliders accepting material adjusted by the sliders to control the distance between the balcony cups. 